While apps have been available for the Pebble smartwatch for some time now, those looking for them have had to rely on third-party app stores like MyPebbleFaces to get them. That is set to change next year. Pebble yesterday announced that it will launch its own app store in early 2014. It will go live alongside the Pebble SDK 2.0.
The Pebble appstore will be a first-of-its-kind wearable tech application directory—giving Pebble users a one-stop-shop for searching, browsing, and installing Pebble watch faces and apps directly from the iOS or Android Pebble smartphone app.
To get ready, Pebble is giving preliminary access to the Pebble appstore to developers. This will allow them to get their apps ready for distribution and compatibility with Pebble SDK 2.0. Submitting applications to the Pebble appstore is free and open to all developers.
Only free apps will initially be supported but Pebble suggest that developers can submit apps that “work with an iOS or Android companion app and charge for the mobile apps in the Apple App Store or Google Play.” There is no word on if and when Pebble will later offer paid apps through the Pebble appstore.
The Pebble appstore will offer watchfaces as well as apps across six categories: Daily, Remotes, Sports & Fitness, Notifications, Tools & Utilities and Games. As seen on many app stores, each category will feature a selection of the best as well as new apps.
Pebble has now sold over 200,000 Pebble smartwatches. It is available in Canada through Best Buy and Future Shop.
Source : Pebble Blog